Page 68 of Cause When You Love Someone
“Hi, Clarke.”
“Mm. Hi.”
The caller smacked their lips before saying, “You don’t know who this is, huh?”
A silent spell gave me a minute to search my memory for the voice.
“I know exactly who this is,” I replied after a while. “How are you, Izzy?”
“I’m okay. Me and Essen are headed to Venice to look for dresses. I know it’s last minute, but you said you would come and?—”
“I got you,” I cut off her rambling. “Where are you stopping first? I have a few friends who own boutiques over there. They can help us out.”
The sound of Izzy’s enthusiasm comforted my heart. I had gotten so used to giving that I forgot what it felt like to feel appreciated.
Izzy continued singing my praises, then dropped her location, which wasn’t far from where I was. I promised to see her soon before I ended the call.
“What?” I griped, seeing the irked expression on Sage’s mug.
“What?” He mocked my high-pitched tone. “Clarke, you are not slick. You won’t call the man, but you kicking it with his best friend and little sister? Thirsty.”
“Maybe a little. There’s also a part of me that feels obligated to keep my word. Izzy needs people who can be trusted.”
“Oh. I believe all that.” He nodded. “I also know you want to get your bodyguard back.”
I rested my chin on my shoulder. “Two things can be true.”
On my way to meet Izzy and Essen, I made sure to call the owner of Violet’s Kisses and asked if they could arrange an hour of private shopping. She gave me some pushback, but once I promised to promote some pieces from her store, she agreed to accommodate us.
A few paparazzi were hanging out on the popular block when I arrived, so I kept my head down when I entered the store. When I checked my surroundings, I was happy to see the boutique was empty except for Essen and a few employees. I waved at the ladies behind the counter, then joined Essen in the lobby near the fitting rooms.
“Hey, love! I’m sorry I’m late.” I hugged Essen tight.
“No apology needed. After the lady at the front desk told us that you arranged for us to have private time in the store, you were forever good in my book.”
I blushed. “Yeah, I didn’t want Izzy’s moment to be filled with my photo requests. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Mind?” Essen’s brows twitched toward each other. “Girl, I’m a princess, too. I love exclusive shit.”
I pointed to the Chanel bag sitting on her lap. “Oh. I’ve been a witness.” I snickered. “Where’s Izzy?”
“In the room, trying on her first choice. She should be out in a second.”
“Sounds like I’m right on time. I really appreciate the invitation. I’m an only child, and thanks to working at a young age, I missed out on school dances and picking out looks with my friends.”
“It’s my pleasure. Besides, Isabella was adamant about calling you, even when her brother told her not to.”
“Damn.” I shook my head. “I didn’t even think to ask if Ishmael was okay with all of this.”
“Well, I can tell you he didn’t have a problem with it. He just assumed Isabella was being worrisome.”
Though I was unsure if Essen was being truthful or if she was just trying to put my mind at ease, I put my worries to the side and chose to leave it alone.
“Would you ladies like a glass of champagne?” One of Violet’s employees came over, holding a serving tray.
Essen raised her hand. “I’ll take one.”
“I’ll take water.”
